Food containment and transport system

ABSTRACT

A system for food containment and transport is disclosed herein. Exemplary systems utilize a multi-configuration lid operable to connect to a container in different configurations depending on the type of food or item being contained and transported. In one configuration, the multi-configuration lid can be connected to a container to form an airtight seal. In another configuration, the multi-configuration lid can be connected to a container to allow venting of the container. The exemplary lid and container systems disclosed herein a further adapted for easy storage and transport.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/192,332, filed May 24, 2021, titled “FOOD CONTAINMENT AND TRANSPORT SYSTEM”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to exemplary food containment and transport systems.

BACKGROUND

Food delivery is a quickly growing industry, with multiple major companies competing for marketspace and the events of 2020 led many to order delivery or takeout at an unprecedented rate. Currently, the vast majority of restaurants are using cost effective disposable packaging for these goods. This has been the status quo for decades but raised awareness of the environmental impact of single use containers and has the food service industry searching for ways to lower their carbon footprint and present a “green” mindset.

It is inescapable that raw materials require large amounts of energy to refine. Recycling allows some retention of embodied energy in a material, but still requires energy in direct processing as well as collection and sorting. Even then, the resulting material is often lower performance. A much more energy effective solution is to reuse goods.

There is a rising trend of reusable food packaging services, but the containers themselves are either derivatives of the familiar disposable products, or off the shelf storage/prep containers. The market lacks a solution that is feature rich for the prepared food transport industry while also being environmentally friendly through long term reuse.

It is therefore appreciated that a need exists for improved food containment and transport systems.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment, a containment system for storage and transportation of food, the system comprising: a container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion; a lid configurable to operably connect to the container in a plurality of configurations, wherein in a first configuration the container and lid form an airtight seal of the cavity; and in a second configuration the container and lid form a partial seal of the cavity allowing for venting of the cavity.

In another exemplary embodiment, a containment system for storage and transportation of food is provided. The system comprises a first container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion. The system further comprises a second container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion, wherein the second container is disposed within the first container. The system further comprises a lid configured to connect to the first container and the second container disposed within, wherein in a first configuration the lid forms an airtight seal of the cavity of the second container; and in a second configuration the lid forms a partial seal of the cavity of the second container allowing for venting of the cavity.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a containment system for storage and transportation of food is provided. The system comprises a first container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion. The system further comprises a second container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion, wherein the second container is disposed within the first container. The system further comprises a third container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion, wherein the second container is disposed within the first container. The system further comprises a lid configured to connect to the first container, wherein in a first configuration the lid forms an airtight seal of the first container cavity; and in a second configuration the lid forms a partial seal of the first container cavity allowing for venting of the cavity.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary containment system.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary containment system.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary containment system with a vented lid configuration.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary containment system in a dual container configuration.

FIG. 5 shows another exemplary containment system in a dual container configuration.

FIGS. 6A-C show exemplary connections between a container and lid.

FIGS. 7A-E show exemplary container lip geometries.

FIG. 8 shows a plurality of exemplary containers in a stacked configuration.

FIG. 9 shows a plurality of exemplary containers in a stacked configuration.

FIG. 10 shows a cutaway view of exemplary containers in a stacked configuration.

FIGS. 11-15 show exemplary lid shapes.

FIG. 16 shows an alternative exemplary container geometry.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary multi-container system using one lid.

FIG. 18 shows another exemplary multi-container system.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary lid geometry.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show material compositions for exemplary containment systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of the various aspects and implementations of the disclosure. This should not be taken to limit the disclosure to the specific aspects or implementations, and is for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary containment system 100 comprising at least a container 102 and a lid 104. In certain embodiments, the containment system 100 can be used for the storage and transportation of food. It is appreciated that FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary configuration of the containment system 100 showing the lid 104 operably connected to the container 102 in a first configuration, however, additional configurations of the system 100 are contemplated, including additional configurations of lid 104 which can alter properties of the container 102. Such additional configurations allow for an adaptable containment system to suit different requirements for different types of food to be stored and/or transported. In some embodiments the connection between container 102 and lid 104 forms a seal of the container. In some embodiments, the seal is airtight. In other embodiments the connection between container 102 and lid 104 allows for venting in one or more locations. In some embodiments, venting occurs though one or more openings on lid 104. In some embodiments, venting occurs through one or more openings between the lid 104 and container 102. It is appreciated that in some embodiments, lid 104 is configurable to accomplish both types of venting, for example, based on its orientation.

It is appreciated that container 102 can be many different sizes and/or shapes. Container 102 comprises a least one cavity formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion. The side walls can have a lip which facilitates connection to lid 104. It is appreciated that container 102 and lid 104 may be made of a wide range of materials suitable for the storage and transport of food items. In some embodiments, container 102 may be made of stainless steel or similar food safe materials. In certain embodiments, container 102 is made of a microwave-safe plastic. Similarly, lid 104 may be made of a reusable and microwave-safe plastic.

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary containment system 200 with a different sized container as FIG. 1, container 202. Container 202, as illustrated, is operably connected to lid 104. As described above, lid 104 is configured to alter the properties of its associated container based on its configuration or orientation. As depicted in FIG. 1, lid 104 is in a first orientation and in FIG. 2, lid 104 is in a second orientation. It is appreciated that due to the geometry of lid 104, the possible orientations of lid 104 may be limited those orientations that facilitate connection between the container (e.g., container 102, container 202, etc.) and lid 104. It is further appreciated that lid 104 remains operable to connect to a container in all of the configurations discussed herein. It is appreciated that in certain embodiments, a single size lid (e.g., lid 104) can be operably connected to a variety of sizes of container (e.g., container 102 and/or container 202). It is further appreciated that multiple configurations of the container/lid coupling are contemplated such that container 202 is vented or sealed.

FIG. 3 illustrates and exemplary containment system 300 with a vented lid configuration. Lid 104 is operably connected to container 102 such that one or more openings, i.e., vents 302 are created. In some embodiments, vents 302 are formed by protrusions 301 in lid 104. The protrusions may make contact with inner surface and/or the lip of container 102 such that a gap (i.e., vents 302) exists between lid 104 and container 102, even when the lid 104 and container 102 are connected. A vent is formed in the space between a first protrusion and a second protrusion. In certain embodiments, the size of the protrusions, the number of protrusions, and/or the distance between the protrusions may be varied to modify the amount of venting. Vents 302 may be located around the perimeter of lid 104 and/or about the interior surface of lid 104. The vents 302 allow for air flow which can prevent certain foods from becoming soggy or otherwise degrade in quality. It is appreciated that in some embodiments, the characteristics of the lid 104 (e.g., venting or sealing) can be modified by inverting or flipping the lid 104. For example, if the lid 104 is currently configured to vent, inverting the lid 104 will place the lid in the sealing configuration. The protrusions may also be referred to herein as ribs.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is an exemplary connection 304 between the lid 104 and container 102. As illustrated, connection 304 is formed through contact of the lid 104 and a lip of container 102. This connection is referred to herein as a lip-based connection. It is appreciated that multiple different connection mechanisms are contemplated including one or more snaps. A snap may comprise a hinged flange operable to connect to the lip of container 102. In some embodiments, lid 104 and container 102 may have multiple different connection mechanisms operable to connect lid 104 and container 102 simultaneously. For example, a lid 104 may have snaps in addition to a lip-based connection. It is appreciated that different connection mechanisms can be used jointly or in the alternative depending on the configuration of lid 104. In one exemplary embodiment, lid 104 is operably connected to container 102 via a lip-based connection, and optional snaps on lid 104 can be engaged with container 102 to further secure lid 104 to container 102. It is appreciated that lid 104 can accommodate a plurality of container lip geometries beyond those depicted herein. It is further contemplated that lid 104 can accommodate multiple such lips in configurations where more than one container are stacked or otherwise connected. In some embodiments, one container lid (e.g., lid 104) can be used to engage with multiple containers simultaneously, establishing a thermal seal but keeping the items stored within the containers separately.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary containment system 400 with lid 104 operably connected to a first container 402 and a second container 404. The lid 104 may be configured to engage with one or both containers. It is appreciated that lid 104 remains configurable to seal or vent the containers. As illustrated, the first container 402 is disposed within the second container 404. By stacking container 402 within the cavity of container 404 properties of a double walled container are accomplished, such as, for example, increased insulative properties. In some embodiments, there can be a pocket P formed in between container 402 and container 404. Pocket P leaves an air gap which can provide increased insulative properties to the internal container (e.g., container 402). The pocket P also increases resistance for heat transfer by conduction, convection, and/or radiation. This is desirable for both maintaining food temperature and handling of a thermally charged inner vessel (e.g., container 402).

FIG. 5 shows another exemplary containment system 500 wherein a plurality of containers (e.g., containers 502 and 504) are stacked and are connected using one lid (e.g., lid 104). Such a configuration can be used to enhance thermal properties as described with reference to FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the system 500 can use different sized containers to hold various components of one food item (e.g., salad dressing in one container and the salad in another). In certain embodiments, the larger gap (e.g., pocket P in FIG. 4) between the different sized containers could be used to hold heating and/or cooling elements, for example, hot packs, cold packs, ice water bath, disposable heating element, etc. It is appreciated that such heating and/or cooling elements could be placed in any container in the system. Additional advantages exist for using a multiple container system such as system 500. For example, two separate foods could be transported with no need for an additional lid on a second container, dishes with elements that are time sensitive or optional, such as crunchy elements with a salad or cold toppings with a hot dessert could be presented in a single container but allow the final preparation to be completed upon arrival after transport, non-food items (e.g. promotional goods, cutlery, receipts, gift cards, etc.) could be delivered in the same package as the food without risking contamination or undue mess, among many other examples. The use of a single lid offers additional advantages such as reducing the amount of storage space needed for the overall system when not in use, a lower risk for inventory management by requiring a lower amount of “buffer” stock needed to meet increased demand, and simpler manufacturing, among other examples.

FIGS. 6A-C show multiple exemplary connections between a container and lid as described herein. As illustrated, lid 104 may engage with container 102 at lip 600. In certain embodiments, the lid 104 may have a complimentary shape based on the lip geometry of container 102. For example, each lid 104 may have a corresponding container 102 based on the type of lip and corresponding lid shape. It is appreciated that in certain embodiments, a single type of lid may be configured to fit a plurality of lip shapes and geometries.

FIG. 6A shows an exemplary vented connection between a lid 104 and container 102. The connection is formed via contact between lid 104 and lip 600 of container 102. As illustrated, vents 302 allow for air to penetrate the container/allow heat to escape. Also shown in FIG. 6A are the protrusions 301 in contact with the inner surface of container 102. It is appreciated that the number of protrusions 301 and/or the space between protrusions 301 may be modified to allow or more or less heat dissipation from container 102. In certain embodiments, the shape of protrusions 301 is complimentary to the lip geometry of its corresponding container (e.g., container 102).

FIG. 6B shows an exemplary sealed connection between lid 104 and container 102. As illustrated, lid 104 extends beyond lip 600 of container 104 and makes contact with the inner surface of container 102, extending into the cavity of container 102. As lid 104 makes contact with container 104, the container 104 is made airtight. In certain embodiments, lid 104 may have a pressure release valve for airtight configurations. It is appreciated that lid 104 is in a first configuration (vented) in FIG. 6A and in a second configuration (sealed) in FIG. 6B. As illustrated, protrusions 301 are now facing away from container 102 and are no longer engaged with any portion of container 102 or lip 600.

FIG. 6C shows an exemplary connection in a multiple container configuration. As illustrated, lid 104 is in a sealed configuration and engaging with container 102A and container 102B at lip 600A and lip 600B.

It is appreciated that different geometries and shapes of lip may exist with exemplary containers and it is further contemplated that exemplary lids would be readily adapted to accommodate said different shapes and geometry such that a secure connection between the lid and container(s) is accomplished. FIGS. 7A-E illustrate some of the contemplated container lip geometries in a cutaway view. It is appreciated that the illustrated lip geometries would extend throughout the entire lip of container 102. In FIG. 7A, an exemplary closed lip geometry is illustrated. Disposed within the lip is a galvanized wire. In FIG. 7B, an exemplary close lip geometry is illustrated without the wire, thereby creating a hollow cavity within the closed lip. FIG. 7C illustrates a semi-open lip geometry. The semi-open lip geometry may vary the distance d between the lip and the side wall of the container. FIG. 7D illustrates a fully encapsulated bead lip geometry. In certain embodiments the bead may be an NSF-certified fully encapsulated aluminum bead. In certain embodiments, a bead lip geometry may accommodate one or more snaps or flaps that engage with the bead lip geometry to secure a lid to a container. In FIG. 7E, an open lip geometry is shown. It is appreciated that FIGS. 7A-E are offered for example only and that additional shapes and/or geometries could be used with the systems as described herein.

FIG. 8 shows a view of multiple exemplary containment systems stacked on one another for storage and/or transport. It is appreciated that exemplary lids as described herein may be formed to accommodate the shape of the bottom of the exemplary containers such that multiple containers could be securely stacked such as depicted in FIG. 8. It is further appreciated that the lid geometries can engage the container in a way that prevents the containers from disengaging easily, preventing the stacked containers from toppling during transport and/or storage.

FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of exemplary containers stacked, for example, during storage.

FIG. 10 shows a cutaway view of a plurality of exemplary containers stacked, for example, during storage.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary multi-configuration lid as described herein. It is appreciated that exemplary lids may be formed in a many different shapes and geometries to accommodate one or more containers and that the illustrated lid of FIG. 11 is offered for exemplary purposes only. Additional exemplary lid shapes are illustrated in FIGS. 12-15.

FIG. 16 shows an alternative container geometry. It is appreciated that the disclosed container systems are readily adaptable to any number of container or bowl geometries and shapes.

FIG. 17 shows and exemplary multi-container system 1700 designed to utilize multiple containers with a single lid. System 1700 comprises a first container 1702. Container 1702 is formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity. The plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite the bottom portion. Disposed within container 1702 are container 1704 and container 1706. As illustrated, containers 1702 and 1704 are adjacent to one another and fit within the container cavity of container 1702. It is appreciated that a single lid (e.g., lid 104) could engage with the lip of container 1702. It is appreciated that in certain embodiments, container 1704 and/or container 1706 may have their own lids in addition to a lid used in connection with container 1702. While containers 1704 and 1706 are illustrated as circular in shape and container 1702 is illustrated as elliptical, many different container shapes are contemplated. For example, multiple circular containers could be disposed within a single square shape.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary embodiment wherein a plurality of containers of different sizes and shapes are used in conjunction with the exemplary containment systems described herein.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary lid geometry that can accommodate multiple lids for stacking, for example, during storage and/or for organization.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show exemplary materials which could be used to manufacture the containment systems described herein. It is appreciated that exemplary containment systems may be made of any material that facilitates reuse of the containment systems.

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions--such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on--may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated.

Parameters identified as “approximate” or “about” a specified value are intended to include the specified value, values within 5% of the specified value, and values within 10% of the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated. 

1. A containment system for storage and transportation of food, the system comprising: a container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion; and a lid configurable to connect to the container in a plurality of configurations, wherein in a first configuration the container and lid form an airtight seal of the cavity; and in a second configuration the container and lid form a partial seal of the cavity allowing for venting of the cavity.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lid engages with the lip of the container to connect the lid to the container.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the lip is a closed lip with a galvanized wire disposed therein.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the second configuration is established by inverting the lid in the first configuration.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a second container disposed within the container, wherein the second container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a plurality of protrusions, wherein when the lid is in the second configuration, the plurality of protrusions make contact with the container, wherein the space between a first protrusion and a second protrusion form a vent.
 7. A containment system for storage and transportation of food, the system comprising: a first container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion; a second container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion, wherein the second container is disposed within the first container; and a lid configured to connect to the first container and the second container disposed within, wherein in a first configuration the lid forms an airtight seal of the cavity of the second container; and in a second configuration the lid forms a partial seal of the cavity of the second container allowing for venting of the cavity.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the lid engages with the lip of the first container and the lip of the second container.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the lip of the first container is a closed lip with a galvanized wire disposed therein.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the first container is associated with a heating element, wherein the heating element is disposed within the cavity of the first container, wherein the heating element is configured to apply heat to the bottom portion of the second container.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the heating element is a hot pack.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the first container is associated with a cooling element, wherein the cooling element is disposed within the cavity of the first container, wherein the cooling element is configured to cool the bottom portion of the second container.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the cooling element is an ice pack.
 14. The system of claim 7, wherein the first container is made of a first material and the second container is made of a second material.
 15. The system of claim 7, wherein the first container and the second container are substantially the same size.
 16. The system of claim 7, wherein the bottom portion of the first container is configured to engage with a second lid.
 17. The system of claim 7, wherein the lid further comprises snaps, wherein the snaps are configured to engage with the lip of the first container.
 18. The system of claim 7, wherein the lid further comprises snaps, wherein the snaps are configured to engage with the lip of the first container and the lip of the second container.
 19. The system of claim 7, wherein the lid comprises a plurality of protrusions, wherein when the lid is in the second configuration, the plurality of protrusions make contact with the second container, wherein the space between a first protrusion and a second protrusion form a vent.
 20. A containment system for storage and transportation of food, the system comprising: a first container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion; a second container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion, wherein the second container is disposed within the first container; a third container formed by a plurality of side walls and a bottom portion forming a container cavity, wherein the plurality of side walls terminate at a lip opposite of the bottom portion, wherein the third container is disposed within the first container and adjacent to the second container; and a lid configured to connect to the first container, wherein in a first configuration the lid forms an airtight seal of the first container cavity; and in a second configuration the lid forms a partial seal of the first container cavity allowing for venting of the cavity. 